LGBTQ+ and Polyamory in Animals: Yes, It's Natural | Antonia Forster | TEDxBristol

"When I came out of the closet I was blackmailed, threatened, even bribed. But of all the shocking words that were said to me, three stood out in particular - 'It's not natural'."
The idea that certain behaviour is "unnatural" is often used to justify bigotry, especially against people who are LGBT, polyamorous, or in any way non-traditional. But is it true?
Antonia Forster is a bisexual, non-monogamous biologist that wants to set the record straight. What does "natural" mean? Can animals be gay? Are there always two sexes? Prepare to see the animal kingdom as you've never seen it before...
Antonia Forster is a science presenter, comedian, and rapper.
Antonia believes communicating science should be fun as well as facty. So stay tuned right to the end for her rap about the diverse sexual practices of the animal kingdom!
Music Courtesy Of: Matt Hutchinson / mhutchinson
This talk is from TEDxBristol 2017: Dare To Disrupt. In a world of constant change and uncertainty, these are the ‘positive disruptors’ ripping up the rule book to challenge received wisdom, demand better, and transform seemingly insurmountable problems into break-through possibilities and new beginnings.
From making a big splash on single-use plastics, to a global campaign to end unwanted hair-touching, or a revolutionary approach to combining robotics with human creativity, we hope you’ll enjoy and feel inspired by these talks.
Watch all our talks here tedxbristol.com/talks
Our talks were produced, filmed and edited by a brilliant team of talented volunteers and pro-bono partners:
Produced by:
Mel Rodrigues, Curator TEDxBristol
Daniel Edmund, Assistant Curator, TEDxBristol
Samuel Williams, Hodos Consultancy
Barney Grenfell, Hodos Consultancy
Filmed and edited by Floating Harbour Films:
Richard da Costa
Ben Scrase
Tom Young
Dan O’Connell
Gareth Croft
With camerawork and production support from:
Steve Webb
Giles Edwards
Bath Spa University
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx
Antonia Forster is a science presenter, comedian, and rapper. She has performed at Wilderness Festival, Kew Gardens, the Grant Museum of Zoology; featured on BBC Radio.
She performs in the Talent Factory, a Wellcome-funded group of diverse science communicators. She also lectures at science museums, zoos, schools and universities around the world; teaching scientists how to engage with the public. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@oneluscioussoul]

Shes a bi-oligist

[@strawberriesandcream7494]

Dasani Water bottle spinel!

[@k0pstl939]

Ayyyyyyyyyyyy

[@GreyPunkWolf]

*Badum tss*

[@angusorvid8840]

Ha Ha! You know everything she says is true. After all, she has green hair. She's an Incredible Hulka.

[@bodbn]

She is a moron

[@kierieburton6779]

Anyone thinking the story about the penguins trying to hatch a stone and then being given an egg of their own is the cutest thing ever!? 💕 😭😭😭

[@calk7122]

Omg it issss, it's so heart warming and beautiful

[@pretsel5132]

Honestly I choked up when the book cover was shown... I don't know why exactly hut it was so sweet... 😭💕

[@stephaniebaker6001]

I certainly thought it was; how incredibly adorable and sweet! AND, I guarantee that the other penguins don't judge or discriminate against them! (Their little daughter is a lucky little cutie too. How amazing is this story?)

[@thisisfine4093]

Stephanie Baker we had a book fair a while back and I unknowingly picked up this book out of random, not knowing it would change my life. And yes, the story is quite adorable

[@ahassett37]

meee

[@mquiniones27]

She was amazing. Her rhymes were on point. I never heard of some of these species before. Thank you highlighting our natural world as more diverse than we can imagine!

[@lkb3810]

This is one of the most interesting and easily the most well delivered TED talk ive seen thus far. I hope her family who initially doubted her see this and are able to open their minds a bit more. They should be proud.

[@vladimirgusar4468]

They will ridicule her more for comparing herself to animals that aren't even self aware....

[@alex-ey7ze]

That's your own opinion, not everyone is like that.

[@alexk3469]

So would it be interesting if she was talking about peadophelia because it’s the same category

[@kyeremehisaac2776]

@@vladimirgusar4468 iuycmvgggjunooppovtf

[@vladimirgusar4468]

@PulsarGTi-R That's incorrect. There is no evidence to support that theory at all. Perhaps Dolphins may be self aware due to their large amount of wrinkles in their brain. Every other species is not self aware, at least with the information that we have today. Instead of jumping to conclusions, I recommend you do some research.

[@user-zv1we9jb7u]

Wow, I knew that LGBTQ+ was a thing in the animal kingdom, but I had no idea it was this complex! Great talk!

[@atmoak7063]

Michelle chan my grandfather sent me photos of animals with their parents but jokes on him one of them was of 2 female lions babying their cub

[@hithere5081]

Isn’t there like over like 300 words in lgbt now like lgbtqqts or something like that

[@mrpitpull4108]

@Chabbaquq Yahudah Yahisreal mind if you share what that is ?

[@armymanssg508]

Hahaha, she is a lie, and you're a MORON for believing her..No animal is made in the image of God what NATURAL for them is unnatural for us because we are humans made in the image of God...See if can do the math and stop accepting foolishness as the truth...😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@mrpitpull4108]

@@armymanssg508 do you even know what the word natural mean ? Or do you think natural is just something popular or more common ? If you do think that way , you're the moron here

[@thedarthknight5161]

The most annoying thing is that the people who need to hear this are the people who don't want to.

[@jwyse1132]

I listened

[@deyili49]

when she said this is natural I’m literally crying. And the rap is so lit!!!

[@Indi_Waffle_Girl]

Awww agreed!! Never felt so validated by a KZbin video. 💛

[@Chromaggia]

Person People Hey, remember when she said, “Cyanide is also natural. That’s not good for you.”? Or when she pointed out that wearing clothes isn’t natural, but it’s something you do anyways? The point isn’t that something is inherently good for you because it’s natural. It’s that “natural” shouldn’t be your justification for deeming something right or wrong. But people using “it’s unnatural” as an argument against LGBTQ+ lifestyles is not only pointless, but flat-out wrong.

[@Chromaggia]

Person People I don’t mean to be rude but did you even read my comment? I literally said, “the point isn’t that something is inherently good for you because it’s natural”. I’m sorry if I wasn’t clear enough but I don’t understand how you got that from my comment.

[@Chromaggia]

Person People Also I would just like to clarify that the comment you responded to was deleted before I got here, so I apologize if your comment was taken out of context.

[@infectedmuhrom6039]

@Person People Yeah we got that but the it's natural argument is always used in support of this & never covers the part that deems alot of what's natural as totally effed up so it hypocrisy in just covering & sourcing out the part that supports 1s point.

[@SkyLeoHeart]

Two words: Mind blown. This talk was amazing

[@heydude7568]

SkyLeoHeart two words utter shite

[@bodbn]

Propaganda. Pure and simple.

[@SkyLeoHeart]

@@heydude7568 Why? Because since you watch you should be able to tell why if not then keep your opinion to yourself

[@SkyLeoHeart]

@@bodbn How so? Because so far you have not said or showed anything even resembling a coherent argument. For example I can just as easily say that your comment was nothing but pure anti-science propaganda and thanks to the video my words hold more weight than yours.

[@heydude7568]

SkyLeoHeart they hold weight if youre a post modernist who has no handle on what truth means, what sound science means and what cohesive society means, youre probably wearing a mask too in all of your 'wokeness' smh smh

[@jimenamurillo8559]

I need you as my biology teacher, you're amazing

[@dylanbillion917]

Straight up

[@benthompson3371]

with a mind like that, it's hard to believe you are single

[@Jay84476]

ikr shes so adorable

[@camilledabert]

most human beings don't want to date someone they'll have to share with someone else.

[@Jay84476]

@@camilledabert Sharing is caring!

[@Jay84476]

@@beceadenisageorgiana5998 STD's? Solvable With Protection.. Jealousy/Resent? Every poly partner consents and accepts each person in that dynamic while jealousy can happen its never long term

[@marypaul2178]

Jason Barrett 😁

[@Daniela-gj4jt]

i have never seen anyone more well spoken than her on this topic. wow she's truly amazing and is representing well.

[@Daniela-gj4jt]

@Vlad the Inhaler this is a TED talk where does the comparison fit??

[@uncleubi9008]

Wow. Polyamory in the animal kingdom. I've never heard about this from school. This was a great talk.

[@uncleubi9008]

@Vlad the Inhaler I really hadnt heard if it then

[@naturalinstinct4950]

your school didn't teach you how deers, sheep, monkeys are polygamists?

[@Egoistic_girl]

Where can I get your rap ? TAKE MY MONEEEEEEEYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

[@austineyestone5746]

First of all love the comment it made me burst out laughing second of all AGREEEED

[@AakamshD]

i fell in love with her when she said marriage is unnatural!

[@tlcforeveryoung3821]

Marriage was created by God.

[@andreyu5640]

@@tlcforeveryoung3821 lol, Lets say this is the case, LGBT people are created by God too :)

[@binghamguevara6814]

LGBT is a political organization. Claiming that the LGBT are created by God is equivalent to claiming that the Labour Party is created by God.

[@andreyu5640]

@@binghamguevara6814 "political organisation" PUAHAHAH ,ok boomer xD

[@mrpitpull4108]

@@tlcforeveryoung3821 lgbt people NOT the lgbt organization know the differences

[@anjadyrting3206]

If a "norm" is stopping you from being who you truly are,it is unacceptble. Best wishes from Sweden!

[@delfin3334]

Say it to Ted Bundy or some P3D0sexual

[@bimamahendra5089]

The rap was amazing! This is why i love biology!

[@Folkvangr1337]

really ?

[@evemorgan6691]

Loved the talk. Loved the rap.

[@awantikasingh7877]

A few months ago I reached out to this wonderful lady on her instagram handle, telling her how she has been an inspiration to me, and how cool everything about her is (lowkey fan girled) and to my surprise, she replied with the humbleness and excitement of an old friend.

[@luisenriqueviramontesjr743]

What’s her handle

[@chatgpt4135]

Yes

[@My10centsWorth]

One of my favourite TED talks of all time. Brilliant!!! And if my school teachers were cool enough to rap information, I might have done a lot better academically.

[@gimygaming8655]

AC's (air conditioners) aren't natural but almost everyone uses it...

[@mrpitpull4108]

@Aluzky people think that natural thing is created by nature and unnatural thing is created by human

[@mrpitpull4108]

@@campsplosion it call doing a comparison

[@mrpitpull4108]

@@campsplosion then make a better one then

[@mrpitpull4108]

@Aluzky i use the same grammar as you did on your previous reply

[@mrpitpull4108]

@Aluzky people who call homosexuality " unnatural " would beg to differ

[@b.t.c6419]

This reminds me of the old bumper sticker: "Eat sh!t. Billions of flies can't be wrong." Of course, once the amusement wears off the "logic" here is pathetic in the extreme.

[@degew9367]

Congratulations you completely missed the point

[@alyssaevelyn88]

In under 20 minutes I've experienced tears, bewilderment, laughter, and above all gratitude. Thank you for your courage and presentation. Namaste 🙏💖

[@aah4695]

i know you are probably not going to read this Antonia, but thank you so much for giving this talk it's life changing!!!!!

[@user-ee5om8wy7u]

People tend to point out animals who stay together for raising kids, like penguins or some other birds to argue her points. But all this just adds to the diversity of life out there....Some animals stay together for life, some don't. You have all kinds of species out there. I know birds that make nests for their babies and together they take care of their babies and together they stay. But I also know birds who makes eggs "out-of-wedlock" and then "drop" them off in secret in somebody else's nest (just like a spy) and that's how they survive and procreate. Both birds are natural! Both birds evolved on this earth. And that only proves that natural can be ANYTHING. We, humans, cannot decide for nature what natural can or cannot be. We can only observe, study, and wonder at the beauty of diversity of it all. Also, the whole idea of natural as being good vs unnatural as being bad is flawed, I agree with that 100%! There are so many unnatural things that I approve of and do myself: like brushing my teeth is extremely unnatural, but I do that and most people approve of that! Going to a doctor and getting vaccines is extremely unnatural, so is using condoms for birth control! Washing hands with soap and taking a shower with sanitized water is way too unnatural! It is a whole lot more natural to live like a homeless man because a homeless human being does not brush his teeth everyday nor take shower nor grooms his/her hair. A homeless is closer to being natural for sure, but nobody aspires to be like that...! Also, it is so natural to fart out loud , but we tend not to do that in front of other people. It is so natural to poop in the spot right where you are at the moment, but we hold it until we get to the bathroom and no animal does this - how natural is that???? SO true ....so true....

[@bobsonbobbybobson6888]

Well.... I dont agree with the part that we cant decide what is natural or not. Only observe or study. Eventually, we will probably be able to.

[@kendrickbrown8978]

Vodka lina it's sad to say but that is the truth

[@mrpitpull4108]

Yes yes YES you speak my mind

[@robkitchen5344]

Yah..that woodpecker hatches ...1st normally...and kills the unborn chicks of the victims and tosses the evidence out.... ...great example actually.....

[@naturalinstinct4950]

confirmation bias 101

[@micah5847]

Its incredible to see a queer biologist finally say what I've thought for most of my life and have had criticised because its queer. It's like a breath of fresh air and a reminder of a good and truthful world. And I LOVE her hair! 💗💕❤

[@jaysonhayes7732]

This is just an amazing talk in general, not to mention all the wonderful information and the sick track at the end 😂

[@OlaWHalim]

OMG. This is, by far, the BEST THING I've ever come across on KZbin! I'm awed, inspired, moved, proud, more open-minded, and GRATEFUL!

[@apersonlikeanyother6895]

Great talk. I have noticed it’s usually city people who go on about being unnatural. Anyone who has worked with animals knows better.

[@JoseHernandez-ql8vw]

ew

[@catzy2707]

Yesss

[@dearfauxpas]

Okay but that rap was awesome I'm dead

[@JordanConley808]

Man I wish I knew the word polyamory 10 years ago. I just thought something was wrong with me!

[@Indi_Waffle_Girl]

Omg same!!!!! How did you navigate your life?

[@daviddonaire9392]

No Jordan. 10 years ago you were younger and hornier, therefore attracted to several pretty girls. That’s all

[@georgianaharris4865]

@@daviddonaire9392 did you not watch the video

[@daviddonaire9392]

@@georgianaharris4865 yes I found it fascinating. But not everyone is like that. Jordan was just trying to smash back in a day

[@georgianaharris4865]

@@daviddonaire9392 how do you know?

[@Goby_man]

Thank you for not hiding and doing this talk you're very brave

[@user-ee5om8wy7u]

I celebrate being honest, being authentic, being yourself, being sincere - that is the only way to be happy and that's the only way to be natural(real)! And I see all that applies to you! Bravo!

[@ice-coffee3889]

I agree, very comfortable in her own skin...maybe these negative comments come from jealousy of that.

[@angelah826]

Thanks 😘☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️

[@LuxInfinita]

This is absolutely wonderful and I love the rap as well.

[@wilhelm.reeves]

16:42 we need more of that

[@kylamchugh7298]

I like that she bought back the tree words thing at the end. Really tied it all together.

[@ridanaushad3376]

adding this to my 'When the time comes' playlist-

[@sunnycastiglioni7512]

Love the rap, I hope she releases an album

[@alexanderringler5747]

Lol, I happend to have my Bass when she started to rap, so I played along xD

[@freakyfadge]

epic style

[@kulturamoto3302]

Okay.... where can I download that rap?? ♡

[@waverlam7115]

I suddenly fell in love with biology again

[@veronika4870]

yay!!!! I love it! yes nature is more diverse and far more complicatedly constructed than most things we humans can think up...

[@chatgpt4135]

And what we witness arnd is human built biased world

[@SienaMW]

I mean that was a whole bop right there

[@mr.bubblesbunny]

watching this in 2023 and it still one of the best ted talks ever

[@qlyrics2495]

Love this! Such a good speaker

[@adrasteia7092]

Lots of bigotry in the comments. It's a shame. I wish people would just open up their minds and strive to educate themselves on topics they know absolutely nothing about. As a human being, I feel that it is necessary (an obligation, if you will) for me to try and understand things I have no prior knowledge about or experience with. That's the reason I am here, watching this video right now. It's just irritating when people refuse to enlighten themselves because apparently wisdom is terrifying. Anyways, this was a beautiful TED Talk and I'm glad I watched it. :)

[@guillermodiaz6836]

Two things we can't do....fly or change our gender. No matter how much we use planes or surgery, we can't do it on our own.

[@guillermodiaz6836]

@Sammy Ymmas thannnnnnk You!

[@BATERO1975]

The only bigots are those who will not accept that someone disagrees with them. i think you one of them, mate! Talking about knowing that you don't have.

[@noemyv1208]

Kind of like you are, by assuming that most of us don't educate, and research these topics ourselves. News flash, it just so happens that I do, and it is the very reason why I know for certain, this absurd TEDTalk is completely false! You are confusing feelings, with facts. Which is primarily the reason your comment sounds very similar to all the other very agreeable SJW's.

[@Charoula1608]

@@noemyv1208 I realize you can't put links in most comment sections, but would you mind sharing some keywords I could google myself? Where did you find your info?

[@MrBrightlight66]

The battle between human suffering and needle sharp knowledge and intellect. The latter coupled with courage to fight misconceptions - a tremendous intellectual walkover.

[@InfernoPhoenix123]

She ATE AND LEFT NO CRUMBS everything was so well spoken and when she said she was gonna rap i got scared BUT SHE SLAYED IT AN DIT WAS GIVING CARDI B OVER HERE!!!!!!

[@stoichopes7229]

The most relevant thing I've ever seen on KZbin.

[@domitilla10_-]

We need these lessons to help us peel away the coats of lies and deceptions that we were taught.

[@ClueFinderDirtDigger]

Please team up with Lin-Manuel Miranda and make a legendary rap musical with a gender-bending cast.

[@julieta.zubeldia]

I would like to add spanish subtitle to this. how can i do it?

[@raizin4908]

You can sign up as a volunteer translator on the website of TED.

[@shinaid2584]

Incredible information. What is the name of the mushroom?

[@nnaaa1000]

I love this! Thank you! What I am confused about is that when i argue with people who say it's not natural an then I explain how it is, they say "well not everything that is natural is desirable" which is something that u stated as well. My point is, you proved that it's natural but also that not everything that is natural is desirable and that is a bit contradictory. A lot of people use this exact argument to disprove me.

[@thisisbec]

What a great ted talk! So enjoyed this. Thank you for speaking 💛

[@picanigeorgello2847]

I’m sick of appeal to nature arguments that people try to make against certain behaviours- we are humans and either everything we do is an extension of nature or it doesn’t matter. Many good things we do are unnatural and many bad things are natural, it’s a lazy argument for why you shouldn’t do anything

[@user-sn6jv5dv9s]

Exactly. So let LGBT+ people exist in peace, it doesn't matter if it's natural or not. I love the relativism, how "it's not natural" becomes an invalid argument as soon as it's used against bigots.

[@pathwalkermmjdh6346]

First time watching this ... Amazing!! I wish she'd been given more time, because she could have supported her points even more! Love it!

[@genesisfunes7551]

I thought she was gonna touch on polyamory in animals too but loved this talk

[@kaiyodei]

true. proof polygamy and polyandry should be legal

[@Alisha0413]

Damn that rap was amazing

[@fionasedgwick7424]

What a great talk. The rap at the end was an inspiring summation. Good for her!

[@AJ-kc7uu]

This is such an awesome talk. Thank you so much!

[@l.kellner5149]

This is excellent, so refreshing. I feel so relieved to hear a like-minded person. And this was also very informative and educational. I learnt a lot. Thank you so much Antonia Forster and TEDx.🙂😍

[@kateo5846]

She had me at phallic 🦄... I'm in love 😍😍😍

[@mewe1717]

First time ive heard the audience laugh and i love this talk along with the rap

[@tuahabadar]

Came here for the talk, stayed for the rap.

[@michealheath3941]

Beautifully stated

[@augustine.c8204]

Interesting parallel to humans: Two penguins trying to hatch a stone

[@JamesDenning]

Interesting parallel to humans. Queer people raise the children heteros abandon

[@charlottestewart5802]

I'm so sorry you lost family because you refused to hide yourself. Bless you!! I, also, have lost family. Mine is because I'm a Democrat in Texas. I understand your deep grief and possible resentment. Of course, homosexuality in our closest relatives, the bonobos. They are not ancestors. Loved the speech.

[@AspergersversusNeurotypicals]

bees have no father? ah you mean no 'living' father.

[@luizprado1077]

She is just wonderful! Ethology is a marvellous field of knowledge!

[@katelarson4227]

Amazing. Really really well done, and educators like Antonia are a huge part of the reason I love biology!

[@mrpitpull4108]

@ and you are ?

[@shadowhunterx14]

rayzur9 Except everything she said was based in scientific fact? Just because you don’t like non-heteronormative relationships doesn’t mean she’s wrong. I’m more inclined to believe an actually biologist than a hate filled bigot on the internet.

[@Indi_Waffle_Girl]

Damn, just the video I've been needing for a long time. This was so cool, uplifting, educational, and DAMN that rap was great ;)

[@thepriceofsalt9003]

okay i'm so glad i chose bio in my streaming year.

[@veronika4870]

The rap was best!!!

[@PatriciaGodboutArt]

I salute your courage.

[@Natasha_-kg4bm]

The talk was amazing, she was amazing I don’t even get me started on the rap. How did you remember that? It was amazing complicated and beautiful

[@maketheworldabetterplace5624]

That freestyle was awesome!:)

[@myopinionwhileIcanstillhaveone]

I love this talk 👏👏👏💖💖💖

[@aerofight5994]

Yeah, some animals also eat their offspring. We should probably start practicing that to.

[@doublea1671]

That was actually extremely interesting. I liked learning about this, thanks!

[@scottblack7182]

Is anyone else blown away and completely obsessed with this woman after that rap? 😂 awesome talk i think its my favorite so far

[@ShadowTiddlers]

Okay so I see what she's saying but just because a fungus has multiple genders does not mean we biologically do? I think this has confused me more then enlightened me. Did I miss something?

[@magicisland9438]

The rap was awesome! And she's such a great speaker too!

[@n.v.vietanh317]

does she have a soundcloudd?

[@sona7444]

the penguin story made me tear up....

[@monzijha]

This is amazing, Thank you

[@thessalfihri2543]

This is absolutely the best TED talk I have ever watched!!!😍😊😊 ❤💛💚💙💜

[@brianaleon4516]

This is beautiful. Thanks for the in depth explanation. Great complex rap 🧜🏽👌🏿❤️ Worth every second.

[@Puckaboo]

I would love a dutch translation so i could share this with family 😊

[@dakotakusuma2479]

This is my favorite video on the internet

[@redscale82]

We humans are too smart for our own good. Great video by the way and stay strong.

[@zaphodbeeblebrox9432]

When she told the tinder joke I’m screaming in laughter and stomping on the floor hahahahaaaaa

[@zaphodbeeblebrox9432]

It was her prompting for more laughter and the deafening silence...

[@thecalmcoder]

Please give the link to the bg music 🎶

[@moontears3887]

She's so adorable and brilliant. This is the best TED Talk ever!!!

[@elvinc3567]

I support the lgbtq!💗💛💙

[@guillermodiaz6836]

LGB...yes. after that....no.

[@webbedwings]

Guillermo Diaz lmao what? Can you just shut you mouth? It’s lgbtq+ whether you like it or not.

[@guillermodiaz6836]

Sorry but feelings are not important when it comes to the truth.

[@guillermodiaz6836]

And the fact that the LGBT + INFINITY

[@bfbvouabeorbvoaervure963]

Guillermo Diaz Why don’t you support it? I mean, it’s your opinion, but I’d just like to know why.

[@GaiaGalaxy420]

What's happening at 13:33...?

[@carinatalaricorizzi182]

So inspiring. Thanks for sharing Antonia Forster

[@nanadelamer6277]

and what does it mean 7 or 27,000 sexes??? that should be explained

[@jorgevilasboas]

I love her! She's amazing! Great speech!

[@mattday2940]

I love the rap, reminds me of Scroobius Pip

[@openlifestyle4198]

This is an amazing talk! Thank you so much for laying out the facts in such an accessible way! ❤️